Question

Write a short note on electron spin quantum number.

Answer 1

Electron spin quantum number (m_s) :

• Electron spin quantum number describes the spin state of the electron in an orbital. It is designated as ms.
• An electron spins around its axis and this imparts spin angular momentum to it.
• The two orientations which the spin angular momentum of an electron can take up give rise to the spin states which can be distinguished from each other by the spin quantum number, m_s, which can be either +1/2 or -1/2.
• The two spin states are represented by two arrows, ↑ (pointing up) and ↓ (pointing down) and thus have opposite spins.